City of Leslie's new trash-removal agreement with Granger begins Friday

Granger of Lansing will have exclusive rights to residential trash service in the city of Leslie, effective Feb. 1. The service includes recycling, which the city has been without for two years.Courtesy city of Leslie

LESLIE, MI – City of Leslie residents will begin a new era in trash-removal services this week.

Beginning Friday, Feb. 1, the Granger Company of Lansing will be the only company licensed to provide residential trash services in Leslie.

The Leslie City Council voted Oct. 2 to enter into a three-year, city-wide trash agreement with Granger. Granger was one of three companies to bid on the contact.

Leslie City Manager Brian Reed said with the new contract, city residents will receive lower prices on trash removal, as well as curb-side recycling service every two weeks.

Most residents with normal trash removal and recycling will pay $37.50 per quarter. That fee includes use of a 96-gallon trash container and a 96-gallon recycling container.

Seniors, or those choosing lesser trash services, will pay less.

Starting prices will be fixed for three years. Residents will be billed directly by Granger.

The city has been without recycling since January 2011, when an agreement with Northwest Refuse of Jackson ended.

Tonia Olson, director of governmental and community relations for Granger, said the company will initially be serving about 400 of the 650 residences in Leslie. She said she expects more residents to join in the near future.

“It has not been a difficult transition,” Olson said. “We communicated with the residents back in December to help them understand what the program had to offer and then they were to respond to us.

“We are the neighbors to all these people in Leslie,” Olson added. “We are really appreciative to have the opportunity to service the entire community.”

Standard trash removal will take place each Friday beginning this week. Trash removal will be moved to Saturday on weeks that include any of the six major holidays.

In addition to standard trash removal and recycling, the contract also includes:

• One free bulk item removed per month;• Free spring cleanup for the community (four large dumpsters);• Free cancelations of bills for snowbirds over the winter;• Senior discounts;• Bag-tag services for those generating little trash;• Free trash removal for city offices and city departments;• Free billing services for the city.

Leslie City Clerk Denae Davenport said city residents have been receptive to the new trash program. She said officials have only received a few complaints; mainly from residents who feel they should have a right to choose their own trash service.

“Many people have been very excited about the addition of recycling, as well as the lower cost for their monthly service,” Davenport said.

“The other thing that has been surprisingly exciting to people is the once-a-month, large-item pickup,” she said. “People can dispose of things like a dishwasher, a couch or a television.”

The new contract does not include commercial properties.

Granger began delivering carts to residents in mid-January. Those who have not been contacted by Granger, not received carts, or need more information can call 1-888-947-2643.